What is the best used SUV to buy?
Updated Nov 1, 2020
SUVs are no longer the tall, off-road focused vehicles that they once were. In fact, compared to similarly priced sedans, the SUV offers additional foul-weather capability, similar on-road dynamics, fuel economy, and increased passenger/cargo capacity. Given this information, it’s no mystery to us why Americans choose SUVs nearly 2 to 1 over traditional sedans.
With so many great entries into the SUV market, most customers are left wondering what the best SUV to buy is. If you’re wanting a used SUV, the question becomes even more difficult, since different year models might have different features or reliability concerns.
Here at CoPilot, we have access to some of the best used SUV listing data in existence. We also crawled through user reviews, reliability reports, cost of ownership data, market data, and more to create a list of the best used SUVs on the market at the end of 2020 / beginning of 2021. Then, we argued a lot about which SUVs were truly the best deals. Finally, we voted for our favorite model in each category.
Here are the CoPilot staff’s choices for the best used SUVs to buy.
Comparison table: Best used SUVs
The best used subcompact SUV
2019 Hyundai Kona
Average listing price: Certified Pre-Owned: $19,600
Average listing price: Non-certified: $18,228
Average mileage: 20,966
J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.5/5
The Hyundai Kona is an incredibly attractive SUV for those that are looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive and fuel-efficient while offering features that put the Kona in competition with the best luxury compact vehicles.
Its cabin is not only attractive to look at but feels well put together and in some trims, downright luxurious. Two engines are available, including a poten turbocharged option that still brings excellent fuel economy to the table.
Throw in a solid reliability rating, roomy passenger area and excellent value for your dollar and you have a total winner in the subcompact SUV class.
The best used compact SUV
2018 Mazda CX-5
Average listing price - Certified Pre-Owned: $22,296
Average listing price - Non-certified: $22,539
Average mileage: 27,544
J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.5⁄5
There is few SUVs that blend the line between passenger car and SUV quite like the Mazda CX-5. What you get is an up-market interior that has materials and technology that rival those found in so-called luxury brands blended with sporty driving dynamics and great fuel economy.
While it may be slightly smaller than other vehicles in this class, it still has plenty of room for you and your family plus all their stuff. A fire-breathing turbocharged engine, along with an exceptional AWD system keep things both entertaining and safe even in the worst conditions.
For those looking for an SUV that masquerades as a luxury, sport sedan for a discount price - look no further.
The best used midsize SUV
2018 Subaru Outback
Average listing price - Certified Pre-Owned: $25,796
Average listing price - Non-certified: $24,718
Average mileage: 31,302
J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3⁄5
Although the 2018 Subaru seems like more of a wagon in appearance, it’s capability and quality place it near the top of the midsize SUV class. Talk to anyone who owns a Subaru and you’ll be quickly flooded with compliments for a brand is among the highest in repeat buyers for good reason.
Standard, full-time, symmetrical all wheel drive makes the Outback feel safe and secure in even the worst conditions. Exemplary safety scores, industry leading safety tech and superb visibility. Passengers enjoy tons of space and cargo carrying capacity is equally impressive.
A fuel efficient 4 cylinder engine is standard, while a powerful 6 cylinder brings additional power for those that demand it. For those looking for something unique, reliable, safe and capable - look no further than the Outback.
The best used large SUV
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Average price paid (CPO): $25,796
Average price paid (Non-certified): $24,718
Average mileage: 31,302
J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.5⁄5
When you’re on the hunt for an SUV that can move around a large family, the 2019 Chevrolet represents a sort of “in-between” type of vehicle that straddles the line between a mid-size and a full-size SUV.
The Traverse is our pick because of its positively massive interior that has the ability to swallow cargo of all shapes and sizes with ease. It has an easy to use infotainment system and one of the smoothest, quietest rides in the segment. 8 passengers and their all their stuff can come along for the ride - which is tops in this segment and bests some full-size vehicles.
Throw in a powerful engine that returns downright respectable fuel economy, better than average reliability ratings and a low cost of ownership and you have our winner.
The best used full-size SUV
2018 Ford Expedition
Average price paid (CPO): $45,455
Average price paid (Non-certified): $44,165
Average mileage: 34,662
J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 4.5⁄5
If you’re in the market for a Full Size SUV, there is no better vehicle than the Ford Expedition. This big bruiser does what a full-size SUV does best, haul people and their stuff with absolute ease.
Not only can the Expedition haul people and their stuff with ease, it can also tow a boat or trailer while doing it with the might of a twin-turbo V-6 that puts out over 400 HP. Seating for 9 full size adults, luxurious interior options and exemplary safety scores make this the ultimate family vehicle. It also happens to pull an incredibly good 4.5⁄5 for reliability.
For those that truly need the ultimate SUV that does it all with ease, the Expedition should be at the top of your very short list.
Find the best used SUVs in your area
For the easiest way to find the best used SUVs in your area, try the CoPilot car shopping app. Tell us exactly what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every online and physical dealership in your area, then give you a curated list of personalized great buys - no need to scroll through hundreds of listings looking for the best deals.
If you’re only interested in SUVs 5 years or newer with low mileage, check out CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly-new cars. We search for nearly-new and off-lease vehicles, most of which have optional CPOs. Easily compare used year models, find the best listings in your area, and much more.
